CECAD: CECAD for Diversity

CECAD for Diversity

At CECAD, we advocate diversity as a cornerstone of scientific excellence. We believe that a diverse community of researchers, encompassing varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, fuels innovation and drives progress. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all scientists can thrive, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, cultural affiliation, social background, or any other individual characteristic. Through our initiatives and policies, we strive to break down barriers and create a collaborative and equitable space for groundbreaking research.

What is Diversity?

For us, diversity means:

Age
Ethnicity and nationality
Gender
Physical and intellectual capacities
Religion/ideology
Sexual identity
Social origin

Diversity competences:

Recognize and understand prejudice and biases
Coherent thinking
Ability to deal with conflict
Ability to cooperate
Ability to reflect
Ability to analyze
Flexibility
Tolerate and deal with contradictions
Changing perspectives

Added value:

Creation of equal opportunity
Increased creativity and innovation capacity
Empowering the team spirit
Increased productivity through a broader spectrum of competences
Taking into account the needs of all scientists
Promotion of tolerance
Greater employee satisfaction

Source: Charta der Vielfalt

Diversity in Cologne

In 2022 Cologne was selected as one of the gold winners of the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Awards of the European Commission.

The Award acknowledges cities and regions, big and small, which have excelled themselves in their pursuit of a more equal and inclusive Europe. They have worked to break down barriers and build a better society for everyone regardless of age, racial or ethnic origin, religion, sex, LGBTIQ identity and disability. Their efforts were recognised in an Awards Ceremony hosted by the European Commission with the presence from Commissioner Dalli, Vice-president Jourova and Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President, European Committee of the Regions.